I was on vacation but I'm back. Here you go . . . xoxo #Outlawqueen

CHAPTER 7

Regina opened the store on Monday and was impressed. Everything looked as it should – if not better than if she'd been there. She was proud of Tink and when she came in this afternoon she was definitely offering her a raise and a manager's position. She deserved it. She opened at nine and her first customer of the day was none other than Killian Jones. He wanted something for Emma and had no idea what to buy her. He admitted that he was waiting for Regina to return to work because he needed her help in picking out something. Regina knew Emma wasn't that much into jewelry considering her job but she was fond of Alex & Ani Bracelets. She showed him a few that she thought Emma would like. He was there for about an hour and was very indecisive. By the time he was finished pondering on all the different styles he bought her three bracelets and Regina agreed that Emma would love them all. He thanked her and said she was glad she was feeling better and headed out. She really was feeling better and every few minutes a customer came in and most of them purchased something or said they'd be back. By the time Tink came in at noon it was finally quieting down somewhat. They hugged and Regina told her how impressed she was and told her to put her stuff in the back and then come out because she wanted to have a serious talk with her. Tink made a face and seemed nervous but Regina smiled to herself knowing that she was about to make the young woman very happy. By the time she came out it was still quiet and Regina turned toward her "First of all I can't say it enough – thank you. Thank you for handling everything here while I was sick. I have been thinking about this for a few weeks but I'd like to offer you a manager's position as my assistant and you're getting a raise."

Tink was stunned "Regina, this is amazing!"

"Well, you've done an amazing job and you deserve this. I think I was here so much during the Christmas season that I became run down and that's why I got sick. That's not going to happen again. Not, when I have someone I can rely on to run things around here. So, do you accept?"

"Yes, yes thank you so much!"

She hugged Regina and they both pulled back when they heard the door chime it was Mary "Oh' look who is back!"

Regina walked over to her friend and hugged her "Thank you for helping while I was sick. I owe you a check."

"Actually, that's what I'm here to talk to you about. I saw this watch that I think David will like. Do you think maybe in lieu of a check . . .?"

Regina smiled "Which one is it?" Mary was giving the watch to David for Valentine's Day. She left after hanging out for an hour or so. Regina brought a sandwich for lunch so she left Tink on the floor and ate while she went through the books. Everything seemed to be in order and business was booming.

After about forty-five minutes of paperwork Tink came to the back "There's a hot guy out here asking for you," she teased.

Regina laughed "I'll be right out," she said. She straightened up her files; took a sip of her orange juice and then went out to the floor. Robin was laughing with Tink about something when she walked up to them "Hello," she said.

Robin smiled "Hi," he kissed her quickly on the mouth "I thought I would stop and see if you were taking a lunch break but Tink says you ate in the back."

"Yes, I did. I had a lot of paperwork to catch up on. How's your eye? It looks bad."

"Yeah it hurts but I had a lovely nurse that took care of me yesterday," he said winking at her.

Tink laughed "I'll just go straighten up over here," she said as she walked away from them.

"Are you working tonight," Regina asked.

"Yes, I worked at the center this morning and I'm cooking tonight at Granny's. I also wanted to let you know that Roland isn't coming this weekend because I don't want him to be upset about my eye. That was Marian's idea actually so I have him for Valentine's weekend."

"Oh' that's better for him. I should have told you this but since Valentine's is a Sunday I'm staying open late on Saturday night. There are always those last minute people that need something quickly the night before. A whole bunch of us will be here." A customer walked in and Tink went over to them right away to ask if they needed help.

Robin hugged her "I'll let you get back to work. I will text you later." He kissed her quickly on the mouth and Regina smiled at him "You have color in your face again. I'm glad you're feeling better." He waved to Tink and then walked out. Another customer came in and Regina was happy to help – she was back.

They were super busy at the store. It came in spurts. Regina had to call in Ashley, Wendy and Mary to help out the rest of the weeks leading up to Valentine's Day. She barely saw Robin. They mostly talked over text or on the phone. He was picking up a lot of hours at the diner for extra money. She didn't ask any questions but she wondered if it had anything to do with Valentine's Day. They hadn't spoken about it at all but she found it curious that he was working so much. She missed him. They had hardly any time together since she'd been sick and her bed was lonely without him. She hated admitting that but it was the truth. The Friday night before Valentine's; Regina took Tink, Mary and Ashley to the diner as a treat for all their hard work. Wendy had too much school work to do so she had to decline. It was around six and when she walked in – she froze. At a booth in the back were Robin, Roland and Marian. She had totally forgotten that she was dropping him off tonight and that Robin was bringing him back on Sunday evening. Tink saw them also "Quick get in this booth," she said. Regina sat with her back to them and everyone was quiet "Do you want to go somewhere else?"

"No, this was bound to happen eventually. I just didn't think it would be so soon," Regina said.

"Roland just pointed over here and said something to Robin," Mary said.

"Oh' Shit, why does this have to happen now," Regina whispered.

"It will be alright," Tink replied.

"Crap, Robin is coming over," Ashley whispered.

"Hello ladies," he said as he squatted down on the floor and looked up at Regina.

"I'm sorry I totally forgot . . ."

He took her hand "Will you come over and meet Marian? Roland already saw you. It will only take a minute."

"Now? Are you sure about this?"

"Yes, she's about to leave actually so it won't take long. I promise."

She was nervous but nodded and squeezed his hand 'I'll be right back," she said to her friends. They all nodded and she heard Tink say something about ordering a bottle of wine "Yeah, do that," Regina said. They all laughed and Robin placed a hand on her back as he led her over to the booth.

Marian stood "Hi," she stuck out her hand "It's nice to meet you."

Regina took her hand "Hello, likewise."

"Hi Regina," Roland said as he scooted past Marian and hugged her legs.

Regina squatted down on the floor and hugged him "Hi, I missed you," she said.

"Me too. Are you coming over?"

She laughed "Not tonight. I'm having dinner with my friends but maybe soon."

"Okay, I told mama about the brownies we made."

"Oh, did you?"

"Yes, I can't wait to make more."

"Maybe, next time we'll make a pie. How does that sound?"

"Roland, maybe you can ask Ruby for another coloring sheet to take home with us" Robin said.

"Okay," he ran to the counter and they all laughed.

"Can you sit," Marian asked.

"Oh' no actually I'm having dinner with my friends. I'm treating them because they've been working so hard at my store."

"Yes, Robin says you own the jewelry store in town."

"Yes, it's a very busy time of year."

"I'm sure."

"Well, I'll let the two of you finish talking," Regina said.

"I'm leaving actually. I have to get home but it was nice to meet you. I'm sure we'll see each other again. Robin, I'll see you on Sunday when you drop Roland off."

"Of course; have a safe drive Marian." She nodded and then went to the counter to say goodbye to Roland.

Regina let out a breath as Robin's ex walked out of Granny's "That was a little . . ."

"I'm sorry if I put you on the spot. It's just – she was here and Roland saw you."

"It's okay. I should get back to . . ." She laughed when she saw Roland sitting with Mary, Ashley and Tink.

"My son is a flirt. Is he holding Tink's hand?" They headed back over to the table "Roland it's time for us to go now."

"But Papa . . ."

"Regina is spending time with her friends. It's almost time for your bath and a story."

Regina motioned for him to get up and she sat down "Stop flirting with my friends," she teased as she kissed Roland's cheek.

He giggled "Goodnight Regina," Roland said laughing.

Robin leaned down quickly and kissed her "I'll call you tomorrow. Sorry for interrupting ladies." He was gone in a flash and Regina let out a breath.

Ruby brought a glass of wine for each of them and then she ran off because someone was yelling at the counter "So, how did it go," Mary asked.

"She seems nice. It went by fast. Just hi and bye really," she said.

"At least you got that out of the way," Ashley said.

"True, now next time won't be as awkward – I hope," Regina replied. They toasted to booming business at the jewelry store and to friendship. Regina would be glad when Valentine's Day weekend was behind her.

Saturday was ridiculous. Regina had to bring everyone in at different times and ask them to work basically all day. She had lunch catered and brought in from Granny's for them all. It was one of the busiest Valentine's Days she'd ever encountered. Around two Wendy's brother John came in with a delivery for them it was an Edible Arrangements; strawberries covered in chocolate, pineapple, oranges and apples. It was huge. Regina offered John a tip but he declined saying he'd been well taken care of. He told Wendy he'd see her later and he was gone. Regina called them all over as she read the card "This is to help you get through the rest of your day. RL P.S I miss my girlfriend." They all laughed and Regina shook her head; this must have cost a lot. It was beautiful and the ladies loved it but it was too much. In between helping customers they ate the fruit and it was gone in about an hour and a half. Regina ate the last strawberry and couldn't help but remember a few weeks ago when Robin had first made her dinner.

She went to the back to wash her hands and Mary was there "Robin, is pretty amazing Regina."

"I know and I haven't bought him anything for Valentine's. I've been so busy."

"I'm sure it won't matter to him."

"But, it matters to me. You should get home. David will be home soon right?"

"Are you sure? I don't mind staying."

"I think we're okay and I'm cutting you a check. I'll do payroll on Monday." They hugged and Mary headed out. She went back out to the floor and things seemed to be slowing down somewhat. Tink was straightening the cases and Wendy and Ashley were both helping customers. She glanced down at her watch it was four. The door chimed and that was when she saw Roland strolling in carrying flowers.

Everyone stopped what they were doing and he yelled "Hi, Regina!"

She laughed "Roland, are you by yourself?"

He smiled "Papa is hiding outside," he said giggling.

She squatted down on the floor "Are these for me?"

"Yes, for Valentine's Day," he said.

"Wow, they are very beautiful. Come with me to the back I think I have something to put them in." He took her hand and the women were all smiling. She found a vase and filled it with water in the bathroom and Roland helped her put them inside "We are going to put them out on the counter so everyone who comes in will see them. How does that sound?"

"Do you like them?"

"Yes, do you know the names of these flowers Roland?"

"Tulips, Daisy's and I think there are a few Roses in there," he said.

"That's right." They walked back out to the sales floor and she put them on the counter and watched as Robin came inside her store. He had his hands nervously in his pockets and the girls all waved to him. Roland was still holding her hand "Let's go see your Papa," she said.

"Papa did you see where Regina put the flowers?"

He smiled "Yes, I did. Good job son."

Tink came over "Roland do you want to come over here with me for a few minutes while your Papa and Regina talk?"

"Sure." He took her hand and they walked to the other side of the store.

"I'm sorry. I know you're busy."

"It's alright. Thank you for the flowers and for the fruit. I think everyone almost lost their minds. They were so happy. You shouldn't have," she said as she took his hand.

"I wanted to. You've all been working so hard." She hugged him and he held her close "God, I miss you. I feel like I haven't seen you in ages. I mean you were sick and you've been so busy here," he whispered.

"I know I feel the same way. Trust me."

"What time are you closing?"

"I'm thinking eight."

"What are you doing for dinner? You could come over? I'm putting Roland to bed around that time. He'll be asleep when you get there. I just want to spend time with you."

"I can't explain to you how tired I am," she said.

"I know. I'm sorry. I'll see you tomorrow? I have to take him home around two. But, I'll be back around six probably."

"Okay, I'm sure I'll sleep for a while tomorrow. Thank you so much for the fruit and for the flowers. It was lovely."

He ran his fingers through her hair "I have more but you'll have to wait until tomorrow."

"More?"

He smiled "Yes, but you need to get back to work." He kissed her quickly several times and then called for Roland. He hugged Tink and then Regina and took Robin's hand "Bye ladies, good luck," Robin said. They all yelled "BYE ROBIN," and Regina couldn't help but laugh as he headed out the door. When they were finished with their customers Ashley offered to clean the back room.

Regina thanked her and then Wendy and Tink came over "If he wants to hang out tonight you should go," Wendy said. "I know I'm still young and all and I'm not as mature as the rest of you lot but its Valentine's Day tomorrow Regina and he obviously misses you. You should go spend time with him."

Tink whistled "You are so right. She's right. You should go hang out with your hottie."

"Are you two quite finished?" They both laughed and Wendy went to the back with Ashley to help her organize and clean the back room. Regina and Tink organized the cases "Do you think I should go over tonight?"

"Yes, after what he did with the flowers and the fruit for all of us. Who does that Regina?"

"I know and I really have missed him."

"So, don't think. Just go to him after work."

"I'll see how I feel when I leave here."

Tink smiled "I bet you'll go."

"Alright less talking and more cleaning; maybe, we can get out early." Regina was grateful the day was almost over.